Advertisement

Messi named 'responsible tourism ambassador' by UN body

AFP
AFP - [email protected]
Messi named 'responsible tourism ambassador' by UN body
Photo: AFP

The UN World Tourism Organization said Monday it has appointed FC Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi as an ambassador to promote responsible tourism.

Advertisement

"During my travels I have had the opportunity to know other cultures andsocieties as well as other ways to see the world and this is very enriching," Messi said in a statement released by the Madrid-based United Nations body announcing his nomination.

"I am happy I can join this mission of promoting responsible tourism," the five-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award added as the body steps up its campaign to minimise harm tourism can cause to the environment and historical sites.

READ ALSO:  Messi to appeal 21-month jail term for tax fraud in Spain

 The UN body defines "responsible tourism" as tourism that "helps maximise the sector's benefits while minimising its potentially negative impact on the environment, cultural heritage and societies across the globe".   

World Tourism Organization chief Zurab Pololikashvili said it was a "great honour" to have Messi promote "the positive values and benefits that tourism represents.

"Messi is a unique sportsman and an example of how willpower and constant work yield good results," he added.   

The 30-year-old is the leading scorer in La Liga this season with 29 goals and is also the all-time top marksman in Spain's top flight.   

He is also the top scorer in the history of Barcelona and Argentina.

READ ALSO: Afghan boy who made Messi shirt out of plastic bag finally meets his hero 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also